Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua today articulates his deepest appreciation for the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for funding a new multi-million dollar Office Complex for members of parliament in Solomon Islands.

In his address at the official ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of the project at the National Parliament Grounds, Dr Sikua said the new building will stand as a gesture of everlasting testimony of friendship and goodwill that the Government and people of Solomon Islands shared with the Government and people of Taiwan.

Taiwan's Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Timothy. C.T Yang who officiated at the ceremony announced that his Government has allocated a total of US$3 million for the project.

"Today's event marks another important step in the right direction for political development of this country more so good news for the Members of Parliament and their Constituency's," Dr Sikua said.

Once completed, Members of Parliament will have a proper venue to effectively administer and facilitate the needs of their constituencies.

Constituents too will be able to see their elected representatives in an appropriate and conducive environment to discuss directly with their MPs.

At present, Government Backbenchers and Ordinary Members of Parliament do not have offices where discussions can be held making it difficult to address Constituency matters.

It is also anticipated that Members of Parliament will fulfill their functions and roles through the provision of their own offices in the new complex.

"The commencement of this office complex is yet another fine example of Taiwan extending a helping hand to its neighbours and friends in their development endeavors. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government and the good people of Taiwan for their continuing support towards Solomon Islands over the years. We are immensely indebted for the help rendered to us in the various sectors, especially towards our efforts to develop our rural areas and ensure that our people have a better quality of life," Dr Sikua pronounced.

Taiwanese Company, the Overseas Engineering & Construction Company Limited of Taiwan (OECC) is contracted to build the complex.

The Complex is expected to be completed in two years.


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